Did you know that this sometimes giant gourd is actually a fruit, not a vegetable? It’s true! The pumpkin is a member of the Cucurbitacae family that also includes squash, cucumbers and melons.
Its important to know that while large pumpkins make fantastic jack-o’-lanterns, their stringy, tasteless insides don’t make for great eating. So when buying pumpkins for cooking and baking, choose those specially grown for the purpose. Varieties named “sugar” or “pie” will do the trick.
Here are a few great sites with more information on this iconic gourd;
How about knitting a pumpkin tea cosy!
I know of two methods for preserving your carved pumpkin for longer. One is to coat the inside with petroleum jelly to help seal in moisture and prevent fungi forming. The other is to spray all the cut areas daily with a solution of household bleach in water. Use a tablespoon of bleach to a pint of water. Keeping the cut pumpkin in a cool, dry spot will also help prolong its glory.
Happy Haunting!
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